from Part Four - How Music Helps with Illness
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2025
This chapter explores the potential of music as a therapeutic tool for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations due to schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Drawing on the understanding that music can act as an emotional and cognitive distraction, the author developed a ’music recipe’ to help patients manage these distressing symptoms. The recipe emphasizes personalized playlists with music that evokes emotions opposite to those triggered by hallucinations. It encourages active engagement with the music, such as tapping to the beat or singing along, to further enhance its therapeutic effects. The chapter shares positive feedback from patients who have used this approach, reporting reduced frequency and intensity of auditory hallucinations. While further research is needed, this simple and accessible music-based intervention offers a promising avenue for improving the quality of life for individuals with SSD.
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